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23 July 2026

Cockroach Janta Party protest and police response

The topic is relevant because it involves the application of established legal precedents regarding internet shutdowns, the use of force by security agencies, and the judicial oversight of executive actions during public protests.

2 min read 2 questions 2 prelims

Notes

  • Delhi High Court has directed the Centre and Delhi Police to preserve all material, including CCTV footage, related to the July 20 protest march following allegations of excessive police force.
  • Allegations of police misconduct include the use of lathis with nails, electric shock batons, and pellet guns against protesters.
  • The Rapid Action Force (RAF), under the operational control of Delhi Police, was deployed during the protest; pellet guns and shock batons are part of their standard gear.
  • Pellet guns (pump action guns) are non-lethal crowd-control tools, effective up to 500 yards, but can cause permanent injury or death if used at close range.
  • Internet shutdowns in India are governed by the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024.
  • The Supreme Court, in Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020), ruled that internet access is connected to freedoms of speech and trade under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(g), and any shutdown must be necessary, proportionate, and the least restrictive measure.
  • Section 20 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 allows for service suspension only during a public emergency or in the interest of public safety, requiring reasoned, written orders.
  • The Ramlila Maidan case (2012) established guidelines for police conduct during protests, emphasizing the need for standard operating procedures.
  • Protest-related restrictions included the closure of 16 Delhi Metro stations and mobile internet shutdowns in Central Delhi.

Questions

  1. Discuss the constitutional validity of internet shutdowns in India, specifically in the context of the Supreme Court's observations in the Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India case. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Examine the challenges in balancing the state's duty to maintain public order with the fundamental right to peaceful protest. How can the implementation of standard operating procedures for crowd control enhance police accountability and protect civil liberties? 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following legal frameworks currently governs the temporary suspension of telecommunication services in India?

  2. In the context of crowd control, what is the primary technical purpose of 'pump action guns' (pellet guns)?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-07-23/cockroach-janta-party-protest-and-police-response